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I can’t believe Thanksgiving is already approaching! It’s the time of year when we sit back and reflect on our past year and all we have to be thankful for. Losing your job may be a devastating blow. As you contemplate life after getting the pink slip, look at what you have going for you…

Health/Well Being

Unemployment is not a death sentence. It may take some time to find your next position, but you will find it. Stay healthy and be thankful for the good health you and your family enjoy.

Benefits

Losing your job can feel like someone pulled the rug out from under you. Thanks to the signing of the COBRA policy in 1985, all qualifying employers must provide health insurance coverage to those who have lost their job and their immediate families. COBRA allows for up to 18 months of health insurance coverage, which is something you can be thankful for.

Think of the 26 weeks of unemployment benefits you’re receiving as cushion. It might not be a comfy cushion, but having some money coming in is better than none at all.

Take Time for You

Work, Home, Work. Work never ends does it? Employers expect their employees to give 110 percent. Look at your job loss as a vacation from the 60-hour workweeks, tight deadlines, and endless meetings.

You’re out of the rat race. What now? Be grateful for time for yourself. Stay in pajamas. Sleep! Knit. Explore a new hobby. Volunteer. Finish the baby book you started eight years ago…when your child was still a baby!

Spend time with your family and friends. You’ll never get this time back, so enjoy your family while you extra time to do so.

Got time? Finding time to exercise when you were working may not have worked with long commutes, business travel, or overtime. Appreciate that you have time for exercise and fitness.

Gift of Time

When the initial shock of losing your job lessens, look at your life. Did you love your job? Or were you punching a clock? Take stock of what motivates you. Need a career change? Now is the time to explore your options. What is important to you in an employer? Allow yourself time to find the right job. Want to return to school? Be thankful you have time to re-invent yourself.

Hone your skills…beef up your resume, practice your interview skills, take a class. Be glad that you have the opportunity to make yourself more employable.

It Takes a Village

Be thankful for the people in your life who support you through hard times. Being unemployed isn’t easy, but with the emotional support of friends and family, the burden lessens.